Memory loss can be partial or total. Most memory loss occurs as part of the normal aging  process. However, memory loss may also occur as a result of severe emotional trauma or due to brain damage following disease or physical trauma. Memory loss can be described as amnesia, forgetfulness, or impaired memory.

Causes of Memory Loss

The following are common causes of memory loss:

1.    Aging. A person loses nerve cells at the rate of 1% per year, even without a disease associated with memory loss, such as Alzheimer's disease. The body stops growing new nerve cells after age 25. Therefore, by the time a person reaches 70 years of age, he or she will probably have lost at least one-third of his or her memory functioning.

2.    Nutritional deficiency. Not enough thiamine (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, and/or protein contribute to memory loss.

3.    Depression. Depression can cause memory loss at any age. This is one of the main reasons for forgetfulness in the elderly. Depression-related memory loss is a treatable condition.

4.    Diseases. Memory loss can result from such chronic disease conditions as diabetes or hypothyroidism.

5.    Oxygen deprivation. Such conditions as severe head trauma, surgery, strokes, or heart attacks cause a sudden reduction of oxygen to the brain, which causes widespread death of nerve cells and significant memory loss.

Treatment for Memory Loss

The following changes are recommended to lower the risk of or slow memory loss:

1.    Reduce sugar intake.

2.    Avoid eating foods that contain such additives as artificial sweeteners, monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives, and artificial colors. These chemicals can accumulate in the body and become toxic, causing brain damage and memory loss.

3.    Eat organically grown foods that are not contaminated with pesticides or insecticides. These toxic chemicals can affect nerve function and cause memory loss.

4.    Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.

5.    Do not use illicit drugs.

6.    Drink only filtered water to avoid toxic chemicals in the water system.

Home Remedies for Memory Loss and Improving Intelligence

1.    There are no home or herbal remedies for memory loss. But, certainly there are some easy tips that help you prevent and treat memory loss.

2.    Family should provide full support. Reality orientation like providing familiar music, objects or photos will help the patient become oriented. Relearning help may be required in some cases.

3.    Medication schedules if any should be written down. This will avoid dependence on memory.

4.    Extended care facilities like nursing homes are very helpful for people whose basic needs cannot be met in any other way or whose safety or nutrition is in acute danger.

5.    Lower your blood pressure and improve your memory. A dropper full of motherwort tincture (Leonurus cardiaca) daily lowers blood

6.    Repetition is the mother of retention.

7.    Associate the date or event with some catchy phrase or image. Our brain is excellent in associative recall.

8.    Learn just one new thing each day. Find something interesting to keep you motivated.

9.    Chewing 7-8 almonds daily can improve memory.

10.    Soak seven almonds in water overnight. Remove the skin and boil it with a glass of milk. Drink the milk daily.

11.    Drink a mixture of 1 teaspoon honey and 1/8 teaspoon of powdered cinnamon every night regularly.